NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
81 reportsClear category filter73,000 miles · Nov 20, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
OVERHEATING , THE OVERFLOW AND FILLER TANK CRACKING OPEN ON THE BOTTOM OUT OF SIGHT . CAUSED ME TO REPLACE THE WATERPUMP AND THERMOSTAT BEFORE BEING ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM AND LEFT MYSELF AND FAMILY STRANDED. TOOK TO DEALER WHO FOUND THE CRACK AFTER CHECKING AND STATED THEY NATIONWIDE THEY HAD TO REPLACE OVER A HALF A MILLION …
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OVERHEATING , THE OVERFLOW AND FILLER TANK CRACKING OPEN ON THE BOTTOM OUT OF SIGHT . CAUSED ME TO REPLACE THE WATERPUMP AND THERMOSTAT BEFORE BEING ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM AND LEFT MYSELF AND FAMILY STRANDED. TOOK TO DEALER WHO FOUND THE CRACK AFTER CHECKING AND STATED THEY NATIONWIDE THEY HAD TO REPLACE OVER A HALF A MILLION TANKS ON THESE VEHICLES AT $200.PLUS PER JOB NOT TO MENTION THE COST OF CREATED PROBLEMS FROM THE OVERHEAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT MULTI MILLIONS OF LOSS TO CONSUMERS . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10249388
100,000 miles · Sep 15, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE MOTOR IN THE COOLING FAN FAILED. THE MOTOR WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN OVER; HOWEVER, IT COULD NOT BECAUSE THE FUSE IN THE FUSE BOX DID NOT BLOW OUT AS IT SHOULD. THE WIRE FROM THE TERMINAL BLOCKER MELTED INTO THE FUSE BOX. THIS CAUSED THE WIRES TO BURN …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE MOTOR IN THE COOLING FAN FAILED. THE MOTOR WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN OVER; HOWEVER, IT COULD NOT BECAUSE THE FUSE IN THE FUSE BOX DID NOT BLOW OUT AS IT SHOULD. THE WIRE FROM THE TERMINAL BLOCKER MELTED INTO THE FUSE BOX. THIS CAUSED THE WIRES TO BURN AND THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT BECAME ENGULFED IN SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME AND DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS TWO SAFETY FEATURES, ONE IN THE TERMINAL BLOCK AND THE OTHER IN THE FUSE BOX, BUT THEY DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT CALLED KIA AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY ENDED AT 60,000 MILES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10242311
66,000 miles · Aug 25, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING. CAR PARKED IN GARAGE AT 66,000 MILES. WON'T HOLD COOLANT IS LEAKING AT HEATED COIL. I HAVE TAKEN THIS KIA TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM YET. I SAW AND READ THE MANY COMPLAINTS AND SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THE KIA SORENTO COOLING SYSTEM. THAT IS WHY I AM ENTERING ANOTHE…
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ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING. CAR PARKED IN GARAGE AT 66,000 MILES. WON'T HOLD COOLANT IS LEAKING AT HEATED COIL. I HAVE TAKEN THIS KIA TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM YET. I SAW AND READ THE MANY COMPLAINTS AND SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THE KIA SORENTO COOLING SYSTEM. THAT IS WHY I AM ENTERING ANOTHER COMPLAINT TO HELP GET SOMETHING DONE. WITH EVERY VEHICLE THERE WILL BE PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, THIS SORENTO SEEMS TO HAVE A TON OF ENGINE COOLANT PROBLEMS. THE ONLY RECALL I HAVE ON THIS 2003 KIA SORENTO IS A FUEL ASSEMBLY ISSUE. I WOULD LOVE TO RECEIVE A LIST OF ANY AND ALL RECALLS. HOPEFULLY ADD THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM TO IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10239697
41,000 miles · Jul 29, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON BACK IN FEBRUARY AND HAD IT TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANIC SHOPS WHICH REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND ONE COIL PACK. ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON SO I TOOK TO KIA DEALER AND THEY REPLACED SPARK PLUGS WITH PLATNIUM ONES AND REPLACED OTHER 2 COIL PACKS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS…
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ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON BACK IN FEBRUARY AND HAD IT TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANIC SHOPS WHICH REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND ONE COIL PACK. ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON SO I TOOK TO KIA DEALER AND THEY REPLACED SPARK PLUGS WITH PLATNIUM ONES AND REPLACED OTHER 2 COIL PACKS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REPLACING INTAKE MANIFOLD DUE TO RECALL BUT LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND THEY HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE MOST RECENTLY FOR THE PAST 4 WEEKS. I WENT TO PICK IT UP YESTERDAY AS THEY SAID THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE CYLINDER HEADS WITH RECONDITIONED ONES AND ALL GASKETS AND SEALS. AS I STARTED TO LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND VEHICLE IS THERE AGAIN. OBVIOUSLY MECHANICS AT DEALERS DON'T KNOW WHAT'S CAUSING THESE PROBLEMS AND CANNOT FIX THEM. I FEEL THAT KIA SHOULD BUY EVERYONE OUT OF THEIR SORENTOS PLUS GIVE THEM THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE (WITHOUT DEDUCTING FOR PROBLEMS) PLUS A 15% COMPENSATION FOR PUTTING THE CUSTOMERS THROUGH THIS OR MAYBE PUT A BRAND NEW ENGINE IN VEHICLE. A NEW ENGINE OR REMANUFACTURED ENGINE WAS REPLACED IN THIS VEHICLE BACK IN AUGUST, 2006. I ORIGINALLY PUT MY DATE DOWN AS MARCH, BUT LOOKING BACK, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE FEBRUARY!! THIS IS THE SECOND COMPLAINT I AM FILING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10236204
44,100 miles · Jul 23, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. HAD INTAKE MANIFOLD VALVE REPLACED PER KIA, NEW SPARK PLUGS, CORE COVERS AND NEW VALVES PLUS HEADS WERE SENT OUT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN BACK AND FORTH TO DEALER FOR PAST MONTH AND A HALF BUT HAS BEEN THERE ENTIRELY FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS. VERY FRUSTRATING AS KIA WILL NOT PROVIDE A RENTAL BUT AFTER…
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CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. HAD INTAKE MANIFOLD VALVE REPLACED PER KIA, NEW SPARK PLUGS, CORE COVERS AND NEW VALVES PLUS HEADS WERE SENT OUT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN BACK AND FORTH TO DEALER FOR PAST MONTH AND A HALF BUT HAS BEEN THERE ENTIRELY FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS. VERY FRUSTRATING AS KIA WILL NOT PROVIDE A RENTAL BUT AFTER SOME DISCUSSION WITH SERVICE AT DEALER, THEY HAVE PUT ME IN A RENTAL. DEALER HAS BEEN ON PHONE WITH KIA AND STILL CANNOT COME UP WITH A SOLUTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10235478
67,000 miles · Jul 18, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING THE SORENTO TO HIS GIRLFRIENDS HOUSE MY SON NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAGE WAS HIGHER THAN NORMAL. HE WASN'T TO FAR FROM TOWN SO HE CALLED AND I TOLD HIM TO GET SOME 50/50 ANTIFREEZE TO PUT IN THE RESERVOIR. HE DID THIS AND HAD NO MORE PROBLEMS UNTIL THE NEXT DAY ON HIS WAY HOME. HIS GIRL LIVES ABOUT 20 MILES FR…
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WHILE DRIVING THE SORENTO TO HIS GIRLFRIENDS HOUSE MY SON NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAGE WAS HIGHER THAN NORMAL. HE WASN'T TO FAR FROM TOWN SO HE CALLED AND I TOLD HIM TO GET SOME 50/50 ANTIFREEZE TO PUT IN THE RESERVOIR. HE DID THIS AND HAD NO MORE PROBLEMS UNTIL THE NEXT DAY ON HIS WAY HOME. HIS GIRL LIVES ABOUT 20 MILES FROM US. ABOUT HALFWAY HOME THE VEHICLE JUST DIED. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO KIA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR GAUGES IDENTIFIED ANYTHING WRONG. WAS ALSO TOLD THAT ENGINE WAS DRIVEN WHILE EXCESSIVELY HOT. NOT BECAUSE A WARNING LIGHT OR GAUGE TOLD US SO! IF ALL OF THIS COST TO US IS DUE TO A SMALL PIECE OF PLASTIC SOMEONE NEEDS TO TAKE KIA OUT TO THE WOODSHED. "THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLANT TANK WAS CRACKED AND ALL OF THE COOLANT LEAKS OUT THE VEHICLE. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR STOPS WORKING. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS WITHOUT THE CONTACTS KNOWLEDGE; THEREFORE, HE CONTINUES TO DRIVE UNTIL IT FAILS. THE DEALER DID NOT WANT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE FAILURE AND NO RECORDING OF PRIOR MAINTENANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10234819
71,000 miles · Jun 16, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLANT TANK WAS CRACKED AND ALL OF THE COOLANT LEAKS OUT THE VEHICLE. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR STOPS WORKING. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS WITHOUT THE CONTACT'S KNOWLEDGE; THEREFORE, HE CONTINUES TO DRIVE UNTIL IT FAILS. THE D…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLANT TANK WAS CRACKED AND ALL OF THE COOLANT LEAKS OUT THE VEHICLE. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR STOPS WORKING. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS WITHOUT THE CONTACT'S KNOWLEDGE; THEREFORE, HE CONTINUES TO DRIVE UNTIL IT FAILS. THE DEALER DID NOT WANT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
NHTSA ODI #10231187
72,000 miles · Apr 15, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORRENTO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICE THE COOLANT WAS LOW. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK LATER HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE RESERVOIR TANK. HE REPLACED THE RESERVOIR TANK. AS OF APRIL 15, 2008,…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORRENTO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICE THE COOLANT WAS LOW. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK LATER HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE RESERVOIR TANK. HE REPLACED THE RESERVOIR TANK. AS OF APRIL 15, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. AS OF APRIL 15, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOR THIS FAILURE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
NHTSA ODI #10224637
112,000 miles · Apr 13, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
SAME THING ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON I PULL OVER TANK CRACKED , ENGINE RUINED, KIA TOLD ME THEY DON'T CARE AND WON'T HELP. ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO MANUFACTURER DEFECT CAR HAD 110 K ON IT, BUT THEY KNEW ABOUT THE TANK AND THE ENGINE CONCERNS, KIA SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH THIS, $4,000 LATER I HAVE A CAR THAT SHOULD NEVER H…
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SAME THING ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON I PULL OVER TANK CRACKED , ENGINE RUINED, KIA TOLD ME THEY DON'T CARE AND WON'T HELP. ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO MANUFACTURER DEFECT CAR HAD 110 K ON IT, BUT THEY KNEW ABOUT THE TANK AND THE ENGINE CONCERNS, KIA SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH THIS, $4,000 LATER I HAVE A CAR THAT SHOULD NEVER HAD BROKEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10224358
66,400 miles · Apr 7, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DISASSEMBLE THE ENGINE AT THE COST OF $861. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEAD GASKETS, WATER PUMP ASSEMBLY, AND THE COOLANT TANK RESERVOIR. THE TOTAL REPAIR …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DISASSEMBLE THE ENGINE AT THE COST OF $861. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEAD GASKETS, WATER PUMP ASSEMBLY, AND THE COOLANT TANK RESERVOIR. THE TOTAL REPAIR COST WAS $1,691. AFTER RETURNING HOME, THE CONTACT HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO HIS LOCAL DEALER TWO WEEKS LATER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DISASSEMBLE THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER IDENTIFIED WARPED CYLINDERS AS BEING THE FAILURE COMPONENT, AND THE HEAD GASKETS, PUMP ASSEMBLY, AND THE COOLANT TANK RESERVOIR WERE REPLACED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,400 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 66,800. THE COOLANT RESERVOIR LEAKED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. UPDATED 05/13/08. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10223606
NHTSA investigations
1PE10023 · Fuel Spill During Refueling
Opened Jul 12, 2010 · Closed Dec 21, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (MY) 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the ground.The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that, among other things, manages air exchange between the fuel tank and the atmosphere in an environmentally safe manner.The system consists of a vapor canister, various control valves and tubing, and a canister filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline
Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (MY) 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the ground.The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that, among other things, manages air exchange between the fuel tank and the atmosphere in an environmentally safe manner.The system consists of a vapor canister, various control valves and tubing, and a canister filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (MY) 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the ground.The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that, among other things, manages air exchange between the fuel tank and the atmosphere in an environmentally safe manner.The system consists of a vapor canister, various control valves and tubing, and a canister filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (MY) 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the ground.The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that, among other things, manages air exchange between the fuel tank and the atmosphere in an environmentally safe manner.The system consists of a vapor canister, various control valves and tubing, and a canister filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (MY) 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the ground.The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that, among other things, manages air exchange between the fuel tank and the atmosphere in an environmentally safe manner.The system consists of a vapor canister, various control valves and tubing, and a canister filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
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